After successful surgery, unlucky Rich Balchan to miss up to six months

Real Salt Lake defender Rich Balchan will miss between four and six months after successful shoulder surgery, RSL communications has released today.

It's not the first time he's missed time because of injury and surgery. After impressing in his 2011 rookie season for Columbus Crew, the flexible defender didn't play a match in 2012 after having to undergo multiple surgeries to correct a sports hernia.

This injury is rather different, rendering the player one of the more unlucky where injuries are concerned. He suffered a shoulder dislocation against LA Galaxy reserves in late April, which was treated. Only minutes later, he suffered another dislocation. It's the second left shoulder surgery the player has had in recent years, the club reported.

Balchan is yet to play for Real Salt Lake in a senior game, but he impressed in his reserves appearances. Still only 24, the news will come as a disappointment to the promising young player.